We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Management agensts have locked the electricity meter cupboard.
Options
Comments
-
Companies need to read the meter every 2 years some are unhappy if they don't read the meter every year.
In addition if you move out of the property and someone moves in, the delay can cost you money.
I would kick up a fuss and get a key.I'm not cynical I'm realistic
(If a link I give opens pop ups I won't know I don't use windows)0 -
Using my past experience with certain management companies I'd have to say they don't know their a** from their elbow :rolleyes: sometimes.
....
I might be wrong where your management company's concerned, they might be ok but... Try the nice approach first kindly asking them to supply each and every flat owner a key to the electric meter cupboard supplying any reasoning you have and hope that they comply.
The most amusing thing is that they are normally slow, impossible to contact and have ignored various jobs that anyone with any common sense would have sorted. However, in this case they have acted with lightning efficiency.
I can only assume that it's because they have looked at the legal requirements.
I had a look at the legislation last night and it's as above. ie: reasonable effort to makes things reasonable safe.Happy chappy0 -
Companies need to read the meter every 2 years some are unhappy if they don't read the meter every year.
In addition if you move out of the property and someone moves in, the delay can cost you money.
I would kick up a fuss and get a key.
Yes it is definately wrong not to have access, if renting, for example, you need to take readings etc. for when you move out / move in etc. and to have to contact the management company in order to gain access everytime is just madness.0 -
tomstickland wrote: »The most amusing thing is that they are normally slow, impossible to contact and have ignored various jobs that anyone with any common sense would have sorted. However, in this case they have acted with lightning efficiency.
I can only assume that it's because they have looked at the legal requirements.
I had a look at the legislation last night and it's as above. ie: reasonable effort to makes things reasonable safe.
Management companies are regulated but at the moment the regulation isn't suffice. They will do as little as they have to until someone shakes it all up, hopefully soon.0 -
Surely there is only a problem if it isn't relatively easy to make an appointment with the keyholder. Giving all leaseholders a key wouldn't solve the problem of renters coming and going since many landlords live away. They'd then have to give keys to tenants or letting agents and they'd get lost ....Declutterbug-in-progress.⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️0
-
I have a key, always have done from when I bought my flat!0
-
Just had a quick look at a document that was posted by theartfullodger a while ago on who has power of entry onto you land / into your property.
Under the utilities Act of 2000 the Utilities companies have the right to access at a reasonable time (JP's warrant to authorise force) to inspect, remove, repair etc. Obstruction could lead to a £1000 fine. Seems to me that putting a locked box around the meter would be obstruction. Presumably this is for the utilities companies to enforce - but still it's a good reason why you should have access, unless they are going to make themselves available at short notice to come and open up the box as and when requested.0 -
Under the utilities Act of 2000 the Utilities companies have the right to access at a reasonable time (JP's warrant to authorise force) to inspect, remove, repair etc. Obstruction could lead to a £1000 fine. Seems to me that putting a locked box around the meter would be obstruction. Presumably this is for the utilities companies to enforce - but still it's a good reason why you should have access, unless they are going to make themselves available at short notice to come and open up the box as and when requested.
The utility company could get a warrant from a court to break the lock so they can read the meter. They would then charge you for the cost of going to court and the locksmith.I'm not cynical I'm realistic
(If a link I give opens pop ups I won't know I don't use windows)0 -
I've just had an email from the management agents saying that they are going to provide us with keys. So, it's looking hopeful.Happy chappy0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 351K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.6K Spending & Discounts
- 244K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.9K Life & Family
- 257.3K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards